Mumbai, Aug 5 (IANS): Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Monday enthusiastically welcomed the Centre's decision to scrap the Constitution's Article 370, conferring special status for Jammu & Kashmir, saying "it fulfils the dream of the party founder-patriarch, the late Bal Thackeray".

"Shiv Sena has been long fighting for this. If Balasaheb had been alive today, he would have been very happy... His dream has come true with this," Thackeray told media persons at his home.

While Independence Day (August 15) is coming, with the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, the country has secured "full independence", he added.

Complimenting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the decision, Thackeray urged all opposition parties to set aside their political differences and support it in the interest of the nation.

Earlier, Yuva Sena President Aditya U. Thackeray said: "Historic day for India. (Art.) 370 scrapped, and Jammu & Kashmir now truly a part of India."

He said it as "the path to a safer, progressive and an open J&K determined by citizens and not anti-national elements has been paved".

A large number of Sena activists also celebrated the decision by sounding drums, dancing and distributing sweets outside the party headquarters in Dadar this afternoon.

The party, which is in alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra and also at the Centre, has been a long-time proponent of removing Article 370.